If you’re not a cycling enthusiast, then you probably aren’t familiar with cycling cleats. As much as you may be just fine cycling without the cleats, you’re going to need these if you intend to cover long distances. Cycling cleats not only keep your feet secure while in motion but they also give the cyclist a greater pedal stroke.
Just like most cycling equipment, not just any cycling cleat will do the trick. You’ll want something that will allow you to walk comfortably while off the bike. At the same time, it should not threaten to come out of place once clipped in.
Additionally, there are different kinds of cycling cleats for beginners such as the SPD-SL, SPD and the Speed play among others. As such, you may be spoilt for choice when it comes down to choosing one, which is why in this post we’ll cover everything you need to consider when buying one.
With either of the reviews below, you sure are going to get a worthy investment. However, before heading on to the main agenda, let’s first have a look at a side by side comparison of the very best.
Image | Name | Our Rating's | Price |
  | BV Bike Cleats Compatible with Look Delta | ||
  | LOOK Keo Grip Road Cleats | ||
  | SHIMANO SPD-SL Cleat Set | ||
  | BV Bike Cleats Compatible with Shimano SPD | ||
  | SHIMANO Cleats SPD-SL SM-SH10/SM-SH12 |
Top 5 Cycling Cleats for Beginners Reviews of 2021
On to the main agenda. It’s finally time to see which bike cleats are worth investing in – durability, security and performance all in one.
1. BV Bike Cleats Compatible with Look Delta (9 Degree Float)
Starting off our list of the best bike cleats is this amazing pair from BV. Designed to give you top-level power transfer, this pair stands out to be suitable for indoor cycling as well as road bike cycling.
Since bike cleats are mainly needed for cyclists that cycle for long distances, the 9-degree floating system makes this stand out. By allowing you to have optimal comfort, you should be able to go for long distances without fatigue or discomfort.
As far as power transfer is concerned, there simply none better. Once you have a sure footing, all you got to do is push all that strength to thrust your foot downwards on the pedal. What’s even more interesting about these cleats is that they are light weight and durable.
The three-hole arrangement on this pair allows you to change the cleat position to where you’re most comfortable, thus catering for every cyclist’s dream of flexibility as well.
Pros
- Comes with easy to adjust cleat positions.
- Allows for top-level power transfer.
- Super-smooth entry and exit to clipless pedals.
Cons
- The cleats tend to slip occasionally.
2. LOOK Keo Grip Road Cleats
Available in different colors and floating systems, you’re guaranteed to get a pair of these that work perfectly well for you. Depending on the level of comfort you desire, you can get either the zero-degree black, 4.5 degree grey or the 9-degree red. Other than this there’s more you can look forward to…
First but not least, by observing the Keo standards, both the size and weight is minimized. Second, to add icing on the cake, these cleats are compatible with all cycling shoes present in the market. Something else I particularly enjoyed was the convenient adjustment system. You should be able to customize the position of your cleats with the KEO fit system quite easily.
Speaking of adjustments, the unique design of these cleats allows for a position memory each time you need to change them.
Finally, the feature that makes this pair stand out is the secure KEO grip. This gives you a sure footing regardless of how hard you push down on your bike pedal.
Pros
- Designed to be compatible with most shoes.
- Features a position memory function for easy adjustment.
- The KEO fit system allows for cleat position customization.
Cons
- One tends to lose energy on the 9-degree float.
3. SHIMANO SPD-SL Cleat Set
If you’ve been looking for the best Shimano cleats in the market then this is what you should settle for. From my personal experience, the SPD-SL cleats are by far the safest and most functional you could get your hands on. Here are the reasons why…
Even though it comes in three different variants, each one of them have a walking point for better traction of the bike. This simply means you get to put more energy in your foot unlike ever before. It’s worth mentioning here that there’s more chance that the plastic cleat will wear out before the pedals do.
It should be noted that if you decide to go with the red variant, you’ll get a zero-degree float whereas going with the yellow ones will give you a 6-degree float.
Pros
- The cleats wear out instead of the pedals.
- Features a walking point for better traction.
- Has got a 6-degree floating point for utmost comfort.
Cons
- The screws could come out after a few months of use.
4. BV Bike Cleats Compatible with Shimano SPD
Designed to serve well enough for mountain bike cycling, indoor cycling, and road bike cycling, this is a pair of SPD cleats for spinning that is worth looking into.
Starting with the fit, I was blown away by the fact that this was able to fit most cycling shoes. Other than just fitting in most shoes, they are also compatible with the Shimano SPD SH51 and the Look X-Track Series Pedal which is quite convenient as far as cycling is concerned.
Something else that makes this stand out is the single direction release. This allows you to release the cleats by simply twisting your heels. At the same time, the power transfer feature is quite amazing, and you won’t have to worry about holding back on your foot thrust.
The icing on the cake…
The cleat is designed to give the cyclist an amazing 14 degrees of rotational adjustment. That way you can always get your footing to a position that you are most comfortable with. You can also release the cleat by simply twisting the heel.
Pros
- Offers a single direction release system.
- Comes with 14 degrees of rotational adjustment.
- Includes to optional hole cleat nuts and metal plates.
Cons
- The screws may loosen with time.
5. SHIMANO Cleats SPD-SL SM-SH10/SM-SH12
As it turns out, the SM-SH11 yellow Shimano cleats stand out as one of the best pairs you should get if you’re looking to get your first set of cleats. Let’s find out why.
First, by having the pivoting point right at the heart of the cleat, they allow for the movement of both the heel and toes once they’re engaged. Other than being comfortable, allowing for some play in all directions also serves to prevent injury while cycling.
As far as foot placement is concerned, this pair is quite comfortable since, with the 6-degree floating point, you should be able to tackle long distances quite well. It’s also worth mentioning that the pair comes with mounting hardware included right out of the box.
Something else that made this pair one of the best road bike cleats is the low-profile design, being lightweight and allowing you to engage enough thrust down your foot pedal.
Pros
- Features a 6-degree floating point.
- Comes with a multi-direction pivot point.
- All mounting hardware included.
Cons
- The yellow tabs on the cleats could easily break off.
How to Choose the Best Cycling Cleats for Beginners – Buying Guide
Types of cycling cleats for beginners
Just having the top 5 of 2020 isn’t enough. like most things, you must know the options available for you before spending your hard-earned cash on a cycling cleat. That being said, let’s take a look at the different types of cycling cleats there are out there for beginners.
SPD-SL Pedal Cleats
SPD-SL stands for Shimano Pedal Dynamics Super Lightweight. They’re an upgrade to the SPD cleats since they come with the 3-bolt pattern. As far as their use is concerned, they’d work best on-road bike pedals.
These cleats have a durable nature as it can take quite some time to wear out which makes them possibly the best Cycling Cleats for Beginners.
Speedplay cleats
The Speedplay cleats are unlike most ‘clips in cleat’ systems in the market. The reason for this is that the mechanism of how they work is incorporated into the cleat. This way, you can clip into two sides of the pedal. Additionally, the system also allows for a finely tunable floating adjustment. As convenient as they are, however, you’ll have to spend a little bit more to get your hands on a pair of these.
Look Delta Pedal Cleats
The Look Delta Pedal Cleats and the SPD-SL cleats could easily be confused since they both have a 3-hole arrangement. The only difference is that with these, you get to achieve maximum stability as the position of the cleats can be adjusted.
SPD Cleats
Looking for something simple yet functional? This set of cleats should do the trick. The SPD cleats (Shimano Pedal Dynamics) feature a 2-bolt pattern which makes it ideal for use on mountain style pedals and spin bikes.
Look Delta Cleats vs SPD Cleats
Whereas cleat specifics may not matter to most, others would want to work only with the best of the best. When it comes down to this, one may be forced to choose between the Look Delta Cleats and the SPD Cleats. Here are the reasons why…
Compatibility
As far as the fit is concerned, the SPD Cleats are the most common since most pedals are the SPD type. Additionally, for road bike enthusiasts, these are the best types of cleats you could get your hands on.
On the other hand, the Look Delta Cleats are not the universal kind of cleats. As such, if you are looking to hire a bike, you may end up being short-handed if you have these in your shoes.
Versatility
You may need to get off your bike and into a coffee shop or to just run a quick errand and the last thing you want is drawing attention towards you with each step you take, right? Between the two cleats, the SPD is the easiest to walk in and isn’t slippery as well.
Power transfer
Here, the Look Delta Cleats with their 3-point system takes the plaudits. They give the cyclist an awesome stiff and direct transfer with each stroke. If you’re an athlete or road cycling enthusiast, you’re going to appreciate a pair of these.
Comfort and safety
When it comes to comfort and safety, the Look Delta Cleats steal the march. They are designed to offer a float hence you get side to side movement.
Frequently asked questions
Questions: How should I install SPC Cleats?
Answer: First, take off the bottom plate of your bike shoes using a wrench. Next, align the cleats with the ball of your foot, then screw it in securely enough so that the cleat doesn’t rotate against the sole.
Question: How do SPD cleats work?
Answer: SPD cleats fit into most SPD pedals. This way your foot has constant and consistent contact with the pedal for maximum power transmission
Question: How can I adjust SPD cleats?
Answer: Once they already fit in, they cannot be adjusted. However, you can adjust the installation position either far back or more towards your toes before screwing it in
Question: How do bike cleats work?
Answer: Bike cleats work by maximizing power transmission to the pedals and as such, you’ll be quicker once you incorporate these
Question: Do road cycling shoes come with cleats?
Answer: Yes, they come with protruding cleats that clip into clipless pedals
Question: Do SPD cleats work with peloton?
Answer: Yes, they do and as do other 3-bolt cleats
Final verdict
In conclusion, I believe I’d be right to say that the cycling cleats for beginners are something any serious cycling enthusiast beginning their journey would need. From power transmission to secure foot placement and security, cycling cleats are convenient in lots of different ways providing you secure them well enough during installation to prevent any inconveniences.
